The Science of Sleep
Lexile: 950 | Grade: 6
Passage
Have you ever wondered why your body needs sleep? Even though it seems like you're doing nothing, your brain and body are busy during those hours of rest. Scientists have discovered that sleep is essential for memory, learning, physical health, and emotional balance. It’s not just a break—it's an active process that helps you function at your best.
Sleep happens in cycles, each lasting about 90 minutes. These cycles include different stages, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement, and it’s the stage where dreaming usually occurs. During REM sleep, your brain becomes active, almost as if you're awake, even though your body remains still. This stage is especially important for processing emotions and storing memories.
Deep sleep, on the other hand, is when the body focuses on repair. Muscles grow, tissues heal, and energy is restored. Without enough deep sleep, people may feel tired no matter how long they stayed in bed. That’s because not all sleep is equal—quality matters as much as quantity.
Lack of sleep affects more than just your mood. Studies show that not getting enough rest can make it harder to focus, solve problems, or control emotions. Over time, sleep deprivation can even lead to health problems like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Children and teenagers are especially affected because their brains and bodies are still developing.
But getting good sleep isn’t just about how long you stay in bed. It’s also about your sleep habits, or what experts call 'sleep hygiene.' Things like turning off screens an hour before bedtime, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and creating a quiet, dark room can help your body know when it’s time to rest.
In a world full of distractions, sleep often gets pushed aside. But science is clear: sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Understanding how sleep works can help you make better choices and feel your best every day.
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Questions
Q1: What is the author’s main purpose in writing this passage?
- A. To entertain readers with stories about dreams
- B. To describe how sleep was discovered by scientists
- C. To explain the importance of sleep and how it affects health
- D. To persuade readers to sleep during the day
Q2: How does the author support the idea that 'not all sleep is equal'?
- A. By listing the number of hours people need to sleep
- B. By explaining that deep sleep helps the body repair and feel rested
- C. By comparing sleep to other body functions like eating
- D. By stating that dreaming is more important than resting
Q3: Which of the following best describes the relationship between REM sleep and deep sleep?
- A. REM sleep is for dreaming, while deep sleep is for physical healing
- B. Both are the same and occur at the same time
- C. Deep sleep is more important than REM sleep
- D. REM sleep only happens when you nap
Q4: Why might children and teenagers be more affected by lack of sleep, according to the passage?
- A. They have more homework and less time to sleep
- B. Their sleep cycles are longer than adults'
- C. Their brains and bodies are still developing
- D. They have too many dreams during REM sleep
Q5: What does the author mean by the phrase 'sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity'?
- A. Sleep is only important for rich people
- B. Sleep should be enjoyed as a reward
- C. People should sleep whenever they want
- D. Sleep is something everyone needs, not just something nice to have
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Answers & Reasoning
Q1: What is the author’s main purpose in writing this passage?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage gives scientific explanations and practical advice about sleep, showing its importance to the brain and body.
Q2: How does the author support the idea that 'not all sleep is equal'?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The passage describes deep sleep as necessary for physical repair, showing that the quality of sleep matters.
Q3: Which of the following best describes the relationship between REM sleep and deep sleep?
✅ Correct Answer: A
💡 Reasoning: The passage explains that REM sleep helps with emotions and memory, while deep sleep helps the body heal.
Q4: Why might children and teenagers be more affected by lack of sleep, according to the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage states that because children are still growing, sleep is especially important for their development.
Q5: What does the author mean by the phrase 'sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity'?
✅ Correct Answer: D
💡 Reasoning: The sentence emphasizes that sleep is essential for health and well-being, not optional.
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